Universal Orlando Expands Team Member Access to Epic Universe and Details 2026 Park-to-Park Tickets
Universal Orlando is updating how its team members access Epic Universe, announcing that starting August 16 they may use their complimentary tickets for Epic Universe admission. Each Team Member can use up to two of their passes in a single calendar month. Previously, team members who wanted to visit Epic Universe had to purchase a regular one-day ticket.
Team Member Previews and Controversy
Team Member previews for Epic Universe ran from March 17 through April 5, allowing team members and their families to visit before the park’s May 22 grand opening. The previews were not without controversy: some employees reportedly brought vloggers, reviewers, and influencers as “family members,” and those media outlets posted Epic Universe content before it was officially allowed.
Park-to-Park Tickets and Passholder Access
Looking ahead to 2026, Universal plans to offer park-to-park tickets, allowing guests to hop between Epic Universe and other Universal Orlando Resort parks. It’s also likely that Epic Universe will be added to Annual Passes in 2026. At present, Passholders must purchase a separate one-day admission for Epic Universe, and the park is not included in the standard Annual Pass. Universal has not announced an exact timeline for adding Epic Universe to Annual Pass options, though the end date for current Passholder perks (December 31, 2025) suggests a shift in 2026, potentially as an upgrade for existing Passholders.
Looking Ahead
The policy shifts reflect Universal’s ongoing integration of Epic Universe into its broader guest and employee experience, with added flexibility for team members and more streamlined access options for passholders in the near future. The move to park-to-park tickets in 2026 could broaden how visitors plan trips across Universal’s Orlando properties, while the potential inclusion of Epic Universe in annual passes would further simplify access for frequent guests and loyal drivers of the parks.
Summary
Universal Orlando is expanding Team Member access to Epic Universe, introducing a monthly cap on comp tickets and ending the need for separate purchases for team members. Previews generated buzz due to media access, and a future rollout of park-to-park tickets and potential annual pass inclusion in 2026 points to a more integrated guest experience across the resort.
Positive note
These changes aim to improve staff morale by easing access and offer guests more flexible, year-ahead planning options as Epic Universe becomes more fully integrated into Universal Orlando’s park lineup.